WavePrecision, manufacturer of telecom optics and a division of GSI Lumonics Inc., has developed what it claims is the industry's first Integrated Block Optic (IBO) component. IBO technology combines the functions of standard micro-optics--such as etalons, beamsplitters, and prisms--into a single miniaturized part.
IBOs offer substantial cost-savings and minimized package sizes to manufacturers of wavelockers and other DWDM modules, claims the company. Cost savings can be realized through increased yields, the elimination of handling, assembly, testing, and alignment of individual optics.
"Our micro-optic technology was conceived with mass-production in mind," explains Robert Theriault, general manager of WavePrecision. "This process scales to high volume without incurring the labor and yield costs associated with 'one at a time' optical assembly. The IBO platform offers engineers the simplicity of off-the-shelf optics, with all the flexibility and precision they would expect from a custom micro-optic supplier. By working with our engineering department on the component level design, our customers can design-in lower manufacturing costs," he adds.
WavePrecision will demonstrate its IBO technology at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference in Anaheim, CA, March 19-21, 2002. Integrated Block Optics are available immediately as prototypes and will be available in standard or custom formats beginning in April 2002.
WavePrecision has operations in Ottawa; Moorpark, CA; and Billerica, MA. For more information, visit the cpmpany's Web site at www.waveprecision.com.